The Evolution of Interventional Pulmonology

What began as rigid bronchoscopy over 50 years ago has been transformed into interventional pulmonology (IP) this century. This domain largely falls under the purview of specialty-trained pulmonary medicine physicians and general thoracic surgeons. The field has evolved to include interventions directed toward the diagnosis, treatment, and staging of a variety of disease processes, including thoracic cancers, tracheobronchial obstruction, small airways disease, and pleural processes.

The field requires a multidisciplinary approach, as the problems are often quite complex and span several medical subspecialities. To this end, close collaboration between pulmonology and general thoracic surgeons trained in advanced IP techniques is essential.

Specifically, emerging technologies, such as endobronchial ultrasound and navigational bronchoscopy, are gaining widespread acceptance as important diagnostics that are routinely employed by IP practitioners.

More importantly, care centers interested in developing an IP program should focus not simply on IP technicians but also highly trained nursing, respiratory therapy, and anesthesia teams.

Dr. Sudish Murthy, FCCP
NetWork Chair